METHAMPHETAMINE Nick Yotsko

Name of Drug Methamphetamine or Crystal Meth Street Names: Crank Speed Tweak Redneck Cocaine

Name of Drug Methamphetamine Brand Names: Desoxyn Chemical Name:

Action of the Drug Meth gives the user a “rush” of pleasure or euphoria It is addictive because after first hit, it takes more and more to achieve that “rush” Effects the brain, robbing users of cognitive abilities, physical health, libido and good looks Smoked in glass pipes It may be injected, snorted, or swallowed

Schedule of Drug This is a schedule II stimulant This means that this drug has a very high potential for abuse which may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence It is available only through a prescription that cannot be refilled

History It is synthetic, man made. Made by mixing various forms of amphetamines or derivatives with other chemicals to boost its potency. Was first discovered in 1919 in Japan It is soluble in water, making it perfect of injection Was first widely used in WWII, when both sides used it to keep the troops awake

Medical Use Used in WWII In 1950s, used as diet aid and also to fight depression Was easily obtainable and used by college students, truckers and athletes

Physiological Effects Methamphetamine increases the release and blocks the reuptake of dopamine Dopamine is involved in reward, motivation, the experience of pleasure, and motor function. Methamphetamine’s ability to release dopamine rapidly in reward regions of the brain produces the intense euphoria, or “rush,” that many users feel after snorting, smoking, or injecting the drug.

Psychological Effects Reduced motor skills and impaired verbal learning. Severe structural and functional changes in areas of the brain associated with emotion and memory This can account for many of the emotional and cognitive problems observed in chronic methamphetamine abusers.

Visible Effects Sores Saggy skin or wrinkles Slows body’s ability to heal its self “Meth Mouth” Broken, rotten or discolored teeth Drug causes salivary glands to dry out and the acids in the mouth start to eat away enamel

Physical Effects

Physical Effects

Physical Effects

Side Effects Even with small amount of methamphetamine users experience wakefulness, increased physical activity, decreased appetite, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and hyperthermia Long term users: “meth mouth”, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances, violent behavior, paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, and delusions

Honorable Mention – Breaking Bad Breaking Bad is a TV show on AMC This show is about a high school chemistry teacher who turns to making and selling meth.

Bibliography http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/dru gfacts/methamphetamine http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedule s/ http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/m eth/body/ http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/cry stalmeth/history-of-methamphetamine.html http://www.facesofmeth.us/main.htm